Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Franklin D. Roosevelt-Cecil Perkerson American Legion Post 186 Change of Command Ceremony


Greenville’s American Legion Post 186 unveiled its new name, Franklin D. Roosevelt-Cecil Perkerson American Legion Post 186, on Monday, March 10, 2014, as well as recognizing World War II veterans for their service and honoring Post Commander Alfred “Buster” McCoy for his years of leadership.

 

New Post Commander Dan Morgan called McCoy to the podium to do the honors that began Veterans Day 2013. Bill Rook and Grady Dukes were added to the World War II veterans honored and receiving letters of commendation for their service.

 

Bill Rook from Gay was present as McCoy read the story of his military career. Born in and calling Missouri his boyhood home, Rook, underage, drove a truck for the local grocery store until he was a high school senior and could enlist at 17.  Because two brothers served, he had to include permission from his parents to join the Navy.  Rook eventually became a radioman because of his talents with Morse Code learned in Scouting. He was on a ship on the radio the night Truman’s secret tactics were planned.

 

McCoy also honored Vernon Phillips for his sixty years of outstanding loyalty and service to the American Legion.

 

The special event of the evening was the Change of Command Ceremony.  Buster McCoy has served as Post Commander from 2004 to 2014 and his leadership is evident.  McCoy said he took pride in the accomplishments of the post because the talent was there, he said, and he felt like he just channeled it in the right directions.  The grounds and building improvements are being enjoyed by the current large membership of legionnaires. McCoy added that the state meetings he attended were a resource of inspiration and ideas that he brought back and implemented.  He encouraged members to give their support to new Post Commander Daniel Morgan as he had been supported and encouraged.

 


McCoy carried the Legion flag and handed it over to Morgan and the Change of Command ceremony was complete.  Several legionnaires,-Dan Branch, Harold Daniel, Daniel Morgan-each had plaques, messages of commendation, or letters of appreciation to award to McCoy.

 

Members of McCoy’s family were present to see him honored: his wife Theresa, daughters Melanie London and Amy Dees and his grandchildren Caleb and Josh London, and Abby, Austin, and Ansley Dees.  Not present due to school commitments but sending their best wishes were grandchildren Allison Dees and Hannah London.

 

Before dismissing for supper which included a large congratulatory cake for McCoy, Commander Morgan thanked members for procuring a display case for the several wool uniforms worn by different branches of the military; Morgan announced that Greenville’s Boy Scout Troop will help the veterans with the Flag Retirement Ceremonies to be held May 12th; and Morgan concluded by thanking Toots and Ed Hobson for the decorations for the  evenings event which included a colorful flyover  scene commending Buster McCoy for his leadership of the post.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

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